INNISFAIL – Several local businesses recently teamed up to help out the community.
Cram the Ram, a fundraiser hosted by Innisfail Chrysler, collected non-perishable food items and cash donations during a barbecue on Saturday, July 20.
“We paired up with the chamber of commerce, with EQUS, Central Alberta Co-op, Servus Credit Union and RE/MAX Compass Realty,” said Adam Glover, general manager at Innisfail Chrysler. “We nicknamed the event Cram the Ram and we want to cram this truck with as much food as we can.
“In conjunction with that, we’re doing a fundraising barbecue,” he added.
A total of $260 in cash donations as well as food donations were collected during the event.
Nicole Blair with RE/MAX Compass joined her husband Darcy as one of several partnering businesses for the fundraiser.
“Darcy and I donate a portion of every commission cheque to the Innisfail food bank throughout the year,” said Blair. “The food bank is close to our heart and it’s definitely needed in town.
“Carole Sim is a bright light with that organization,” she added. “We recognize that summer is a slow time for the food bank so we wanted to (give it a boost) and hold a summer food drive.”
Carole Sim, co-ordinator of the Innisfail and District Food Bank, was on hand for the fundraiser Saturday and was pleased to see the community support.
“We don’t have any food drives in the summertime so it’s great to see this. We thank all the sponsors for their support, it’s wonderful,” said Sim, noting the food bank’s current situation. “Our numbers are bang on with how we did last year. We’re just about even, within one or two hampers of being even with last year,” she added.
Sim said the food bank provides about 80 hampers to individuals and families in the community every month.
“People can come once every five weeks and we give them enough food for seven to 10 days. We are an emergency supply so we tide them over,” she said, noting the positive impact of Saturday’s fundraiser.
“This will give us a boost until the fall and then the Christmas drives start,” said Sim. “We do have a generous community and we thank them all for their support.
“Hunger doesn’t go on a holiday so we need all the help we can get.”
